Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine:

As a downgraded 'Ernesto' approached the north coast of the island yesterday, several residents of Cedar Drive and Cedar Avenue in Nightingale Grove, St. Catherine, moved out of their homes in fear of being flooded out as has frequently happened over the past 29 years.

The residents of the community, located between the southern towns of Spanish Town and Old Harbour, are victims of flooding caused by the Coburn Gully that runs through sections of the community. When The Gleaner news team arrived, persons were seen moving out with their belongings. They said they were afraid of being flooded out again as the harsh experiences of 'Dennis' and 'Emily' linger in their minds. Promised repairs to the gully have yet to start.

Meanwhile, Patricia Lewis, parish disaster committee coordinator, said nothing is being taken for granted and the emergency centre at the parish council has been open since Saturday night. She said all personnel who assist with disaster mitigation are up and ready to mobilise support. It was a similar situation in Portmore where several counsellors and emergency personnel were out and ready in the event that Hurricane Ernesto hit Jamaica.